Tough 2025 season for Helvetic Mercenaries

The Helvetic Mercenaries came into 2025 hoping to build on their 1-11 season from the year before, where they had shown strong moments, like their close game against the Vienna Vikings in Week 8. With Pierre-Yves Majo and Milan Spiller, the team had last season’s Defensive and Offensive Rookies of the Year, but they were unable to keep Majo for 2025. Instead, a big roster rebuild followed. The Mercenaries brought in experienced imports like Joc Crawford, Isaiah Weed, and Keelan Cole, while also signing many new homegrown players who had never played in the ELF before. In the end, too many problems held the team back, and they finished with a 0-12 record.

Fighting spirit despite setbacks

One positive from the season was the resilience of the Mercenaries roster. They often had to play with very few available players and suffered heavy defeats, but the team never quit. Even after a wave of injuries in Week 7 forced them to forfeit against Nordic Storm, the Mercenaries continued to compete for the rest of the season.

Watch the best touchdowns of the 2025 season here!

Defensive struggles

On the negative side, many areas went wrong. The pass defense may look solid at first glance with the second-fewest passing yards allowed, but they also gave up the fifth-most passing touchdowns. This was partly because their rush defense was among the weakest in the league. Allowing over seven yards per carry on average, they were constantly dominated in the trenches. In most other categories, too, the Mercenaries were near the bottom of the league. The only standout number came in return yards, but that was largely because of the high number of opportunities after opponents scored.

What needs to change

For the future, the Mercenaries need to bring together the best Swiss players and talents from their assigned homegrown territories. Just as important will be building a deeper roster, so players can rest during games and the team can compete at a higher level.

Busy offseason ahead

So far, the Mercenaries have not announced any roster moves or coaching staff decisions. But one thing is clear: the upcoming offseason will be crucial if they want to turn the franchise toward a more successful future.

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